In the previous episode we analysed the significance of four important aspects – “Eethi”, “Sheegri”, “Shirahkampi” and “Likitapaatakah”, that needs to be taken in to account while delivering an address. In today’s episode, we would see the significance of maintaining a good body language while delivering a lecture or a presentation as mentioned in the “Shaastras” (Hindu Scriptures). We shall explore a few key aspects in this context.
First, while delivering a lecture, the orator should not keep jumping around all over the stage. This would distract the audience because their attention would be shifted from the subject to the unwanted physical movements of the orator. Hence, it is advisable that the orator maintains minimal to zero physical movement while delivering an address or lecture.
Second, while the talk is going on, the audience should be able to clearly distinguish between two successive words used by the orator. This directly implies that the orator should have a clear diction while talking. The audience should be able to feel the difference between two successive words, but at the same time there shouldn’t be a feeling that they are two separate words. In simpler terms, the diction and the speed of the talk should balance out with each other, and only then the human brain would directly receive the content of the talk.
Third, the important points under discussion during the lecture, should be repeated minimum twice or thrice to enable better understanding for the audience. Here lies the significance of “Reinforcement”. On the contrary, if the orator explains a seemingly tough context just once, there is a possibility that a majority of the audience wouldn’t end up understanding it. Hence it’s advisable that the orator reinforces the important points more than once so as to enable proper and better understanding and interpretation by the audience.
Fourth, there should compulsorily be an introduction and a conclusion as integral parts of an oration. This is to ensure that the audience have a continuity with what was said during the previous /next session of the talk.
Fifth, the orator should convey concepts that are difficult to understand and interpret, within the first 30-45 minutes of the lecture. Else, the audience would become restless after some time and would lose concentration and ultimately the concepts wouldn’t be grasped.
Thus Rama says to Lakshmana that Hanuman seems to be an expert in all the above-mentioned skills and thus he’s able to deliver such an excellent speech.
In the next episode we shall see the significance of facial expressions while delivering a speech. We would be able to appreciate the amount of importance Lord Rama gives for this particular aspect. Stay tuned!!
The Indian Dharma 